Chapter 154: Wanting to Open a Hospital

Looking at the woman before him as she spoke of her visions for the future, Xiao Jingxuan felt as though her entire being radiated a brilliant glow, one that brought a sense of effortless delight to anyone who listened. Within the ash-gray depths of his eyes, a tiny flame gradually flickered to life. The pain in his heart eased considerably, and his hands and feet slowly began to regain their warmth.

"You have no desire to be the mother of the nation?" Xiao Jingxuan had always believed that supreme power was the finest thing in the world, granting one the ability to acquire whatever one desired. Thus, he was genuinely curious: did Su Jingluo truly not wish to become the empress?

"Not at all. Why would I?" Su Jingluo felt the question hardly needed asking. Be an empress? What possible appeal could that have?

"What woman wouldn't want that?" Xiao Jingxuan's complexion improved significantly, resembling a gentle spring breeze sweeping across a distant, freezing mountain.

"What is so wonderful about being an empress? A square patch of sky, endless rules to abide by, the constant worry over pretentious imperial concubines vying for favor, having to coddle the emperor, and later on, fretting over whether being an empress will lead to becoming the empress dowager. To waste the prime of one's youth on endless scheming and deception—it is simply a terrible bargain." Being an empress offered less freedom than being a mere pig; with so many people coveting the position, one's life and death were just as much beyond one's control as a pig's, yet at least a pig could eat whenever it wanted and sleep whenever it pleased—a luxury an empress could never expect. Su Jingluo frowned as she thought of the pitiful yet detestable woman residing within the palace walls. To guard that tiny scrap of territory while forever remaining on guard against everyone both inside and outside the palace—was any of it truly worthwhile?

"However, if that is what you want, I will do my best to help you. Still, no one can offer a guarantee about the future; one can only do their utmost and leave the rest to fate." Su Jingluo had originally intended to discuss the establishment of a hospital, but for reasons unknown, the conversation had somehow strayed. Why did it suddenly sound as though they were about to launch a rebellion, overthrow the dog emperor tomorrow, and ascend the throne themselves?

"Then how do you propose to amass a fortune that rivals nations?" Xiao Jingxuan watched Su Jingluo, knowing her sincere desire to help him, and felt his heart swell with a profound sense of fulfillment, as if his foolish bride had finally understood where her true loyalties lay.

In truth, Xiao Jingxuan had never possessed an overwhelming craving for the imperial throne; it was merely that the stifling grievances of his upbringing had always made him feel that only by seizing that seat could he finally vent his pent-up wrath.

Especially now, after hearing Su Jingluo's description—a square courtyard, a square patch of sky, remaining imprisoned in that very spot for the entirety of one's life—was that not simply life imprisonment? Upon reflection, it held very little appeal. On the other hand, the lifestyle of immense wealth and freedom that Su Jingluo described sounded exceedingly interesting.

"It is like this: didn't I mention opening a hospital previously? That is both my personal ambition and my path to prosperity. At present, seeing a physician and obtaining medicine are both exceedingly difficult tasks. What we should do is establish multiple hospitals that provide inpatient care and nursing, with guaranteed treatments. We will open the first one right here in the capital, and eventually expand nationwide, maintaining unified training and unified management. That way, we can save lives and heal the wounded while simultaneously turning a profit. Furthermore—and this is crucial—we can process minor ailments and common maladies into pills and put them on sale, allowing ordinary people to treat themselves right in their own homes. That would cut down on costs and time while benefiting others." Whenever Su Jingluo spoke of her grand ambition to open hospitals, she grew thoroughly excited, her eyes sparkling as though gleaming silver taels and the glorious reputation of saving the world were already within arm's reach.

"The only catch is that right now we need to construct the hospital, recruit personnel, and most importantly, secure a vast amount of silver. However, I have already discussed it with the emperor; he will provide the investment, and at worst, we will simply give the Great Shang a share of the dividends. Isn't it remarkable to have imperial backing without having to invest any capital of our own?" Su Jingluo looked at Xiao Jingxuan with a smug expression, eagerly awaiting his praise.

"So, when all is said and done, what you need is silver, is that it?" Xiao Jingxuan was profoundly astonished by Su Jingluo's hospital plan, though he still felt that putting it into practice would present considerable challenges. In the end, it might easily devolve into nothing more than a game of playing house. Yet, as long as she was happy, he was willing to accompany her through it all.